CRAN THEATRE

CRAN has been delivering high quality arts interventions in West Scotland’s communities for 15 years. Founded in Govan and named after the Fairfield Crane under whose shadow we had our base at The Pearce Institute.We believe that communities are stronger, more able to withstand change and hardship and find ways out of deprivation by working together on projects of cultural and historical significance.

Govan folk gather to celebrate their Gaelic heritage

Spàrr is an exciting community project about the shipyards of Govan, its history, the community and the spirit of the people. Spàrr is a Gaelic word with a dual meaning: it is the act of riveting or joining together and it also means to create an opening….. and that is what is happening in Govan through Spàrr. Local people are getting together to create new openings: new possibilities for themselves and their community.

CRAN Theatre has been telling the story of west of Scotland communities for 13 years. We listen to the people of a community, gather their stories and recount them in theatrical productions. Locally we have told Govan’s story as a shipbuilding community but this time we are celebrating Govan’s spiritual heritage.

Govan is home to one of the oldest Fairs in Europe. It is also home to one of the oldest fair-folk communities in Europe. They have dwelt in Govan for at least 150 years; what do you know about them? Do you remember when there actually used to be Shows in Govan at the Fair? CRAN is collecting your memories of the Govan Fair and Govan’s Fair-Folk. They have a story; you have a story – let’s share them!

The findings of these stories and reminiscences will be depicted on large panels donated by the Govan Fairground Community Group. These panels are Victorian round-stall shutters which have been painted by Stringfellow family members. They will have quotes from local people and fairground show-folk scribed onto them as a permanent reminder of the importance of this section of the community. They will be mounted on a fence along with visual depictions of local school-children’s memories of attending fun-fairs and carnivals.

This fence will be constructed by a local artist and will capture the excitement, fun and art-style of traditional fun-fairs. The fence, to be named The Govan Fairway, will form the new entrance-way to their permanent site in Govan.

CRAN has been working with the Govan Fair Committee to increase the artistic quality of its annual event, parade and activities. This year we have assisted in increasing the event by 20%. Ongoing partnership looks to increase the event incrementally over the next 3 years to include a week long programme of activities and to explore the possibility of year round events, celebrating Govan’s rich and extensive cultural and historical importance.